The stratigraphy and origin of the Tofts ridge in north-western Fenland, eastern England. Issue 2 (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brew, David S.; Evans, Graham
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the Geologists' Association. Volume 129:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 135
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Salt-making -- Sediment ridge -- Holocene stratigraphy -- Intertidal environments -- Fenland; Geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pgeola.2017.12.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-7878

Abstract

Abstract: The Tofts located in north-western Fenland is a low ridge composed of sandy silt, elevated several metres above the surrounding land. Stratigraphically, the feature is the landward edge of an intertidal-subtidal sand body that stretches east into The Wash. It was the location of a Medieval salt-making industry. The ridge seems to have been initiated after 2100 cal years BP by storm waves and/or wind transporting sediment landward from adjacent intertidal flats. Differential consolidation of peat on its landward side and dumping of sediment onto the surface during salt-making enhanced its morphological expression.